The aqueduct and railway viaduct at Chirk cross over the River Ceiriog as it makes its way towards the Dee, and mark the gateway to the valley. A lot of people stop and walk across the aqueduct and marvel at the view, but few realise that the aqueduct is kind of a “hub” for a number of short circular walks.
The Reluctant Walker and I have done several of these loops over the past few weekends, taking advantage of the unexpected spells of sunshine in amongst the rain, hail and snow. There are three really nice loops around the aqueduct, each giving you a slightly different picture of the canal, the railway and the landscape and sights on either side of the Ceiriog.
All these walks can be found on OS Explorer 240: Oswestry/Croesoswallt
1. Chirk Bank – Aqueduct – Pontfaen – The Bridge (about 2 miles)
Park at the canal-side carpark at Chirk Bank and walk towards Chirk, over the aqueduct, and then up to the roundabout and look-out above the tunnel that leads towards Chirk railway station. From here walk down the hill, on the pavement alongside the B4500, and then turn left into the field below the aqueduct at the newly-repaired Pontfaen Bridge. The footpath from here follows the line of the Ceiriog, and you walk back underneath the aqueduct, which gives you a fantastic view of the massive stone piers overhead. The footpath leads to a small gate at the far end of the field, up onto the Chirk-Gledrid road near The Bridge pub (known locally as “The Trap”). From here, a short hill leads past the pub and up the canal embankment to the carpark.
2. Chirk Bank – The Poacher’s Pocket – Oaklands Road (about 1 mile)
There’s another, slightly shorter walk from the Chirk Bank carpark that’s a good loop on fairly flat ground. Start from the carpark but head in the opposite direction – crossing over the road at Chirk Bank and following the towpath towards The Poacher’s Pocket pub. Leave the towpath here and walk over the canal bridge – this is Oaklands Road. Follow this lane back into the village of Chirk Bank. When you reach the Weston Rhyn road, turn right, and the road will take you over the canal bridge and back to the car park.
3. Chirk Bank – Pontfaen – Chirk Castle Gates – Aqueduct (about 2 1/2 miles)
From Chirk Bank canalside carpark, walk away from the canal towards Weston Rhyn. About 100 yards from the canal bridge, there’s a gate and a footpath leading right. The path passes between the houses and over the field beyond into the small line of trees above the canal. To your left is Oaklands Hall, and there’s the remains of a Norman motte and bailey here in the field. From here the footpath crosses the railway track – Stop and look both ways, obviously, but also take a moment to appreciate the view down the railway line and out over the viaduct. On the other side of the track, follow the path as it winds down through the woods and along the lane to Pontfaen Bridge. Cross the bridge and turn right, along the B4500 as it heads towards Chirk. About half-way up the hill, cross the B-road and take the footpath up through the woods. The track leads past Lady Margaret caravan park, and joins the road by the spectacular Chirk Castle Gates. Turn right at the gates, and head down to the train station. If you have a torch with you (or have been eating your carrots!), you can cross the road before the railway station and head back to the aqueduct via the long canal tunnel. If you left your torch at home, cross the bridge over the railway track and turn right at the mini-roundabout. The road leads back to the look-out over the aqueduct (and from here, you can nip over to the new Caffi Wylfa if you’re in need of reviving with a cup of tea and some excellent cake). Walk down to the towpath and follow it over the aqueduct and back up to the carpark at Chirk Bank.
The aqueduct and viaduct at Chirk are not just gateways to the Ceiriog Valley, they’re also gateways to the Pontcysyllte World Heritage Site. From Chirk, the World Heritage Site extends all the way along the towpath and canal through Trevor Basin and Llangollen to the Horseshoe Falls. It’s a stunning scenic and historic site, worth exploring if you’re spending any time in the area – and these short loops are a good way to get started!